Chapter 15

“What do you mean Her Grace is gone?”

Philip glared at the maid the next morning as she was cleaning the empty bedchamber.

“I don’t know, my lord. Her Grace and the young duke left at dawn.”

He stopped scowling. There was no point in frightening the poor girl, and he wouldn’t get the answers he wanted from a maid.

Kirkwood must know what was going on. It was not yet ten, but he turned on his heel and made for Kirkwood’s study.

Why had Rose fled? And why had she not come to him for help. Because you’ve made it clear she’s not important enough to you. The blood pounded in his head, and trepidation gripped him. On the open road she and Drake were an easy target.

There was another possibility, of course.

He turned away from Kirkwood’s study and strode toward the dining room. To his relief, Tremain was not only still in residence, but also sitting at the table breaking his fast with Mr. Hemllison.

Philip’s immediate concern for Rose eased slightly. Tremain would not be carelessly plowing through kippers if he’d assisted Rose to leave. And Philip was not about to tell the man anything, either, just in case.

Mr. Hemllison saw him before he could slip away, so Philip entered and walked directly to Tremain. “Tremain, my sincere apologies for my behavior last night. I had too much brandy.”

Tremain’s surprise was evident but he recalled his manners. “Apology accepted, my lord. I may have overstepped good manners myself.”

The two men shook hands.

“Why don’t you join us for breakfast, my lord?” Mr. Hemllison said.

Philip smiled at the man and said, “Thank you, sir. I would, but Lord Kirkwood is expecting me. I look forward to the hunt later this afternoon. Gentlemen.” With that he slipped away.

As he made his way to Kirkwood’s study, he considered Tremain.

Could Tremain know about the contents of Roxborough’s will? If so, how? And would the man have stomach enough to put a plan like this into action? He was desperate, yes. But Mr. Hemllison seemed willing for Tremain to court his daughter—so why risk his neck by plotting murder?

The more Philip thought about it the less likely it appeared that Tremain was their man. The fact that he had no other suspect made his gut tighten.

As soon as he’d spoken to Kirkwood he would go after Rose.

Something had made her bolt. What? And why?

He knocked on the study door and Kirkwood bade him enter. Kirkwood was standing at the end of the room, looking out the window.

“What did you say to Rose to make her leave?”

Philip counted to ten. “If you are referring to Her Grace I have not seen her since dinner last night—during which she barely spoke a word to me, or I to her.”

Kirkwood swung to face him. “But you must have some idea why she left.”

He was about to admit what they had learned about Drake’s fall, about someone being in the attic and pushing him, but some instinct held him back. “I do not. It appears I’m no longer in her confidence.”

Kirkwood studied Philip for a moment but seemed to accept his answer. “Please sit.”

Philip took his seat and studied the man he’d always held in very high regard.

Kirkwood had been kind to Rose. He had allowed her more freedom than many men would in his position. A persistent thought entered his head and took root. Why had Kirkwood allowed Rose such freedom? Was it because she’d sworn never to remarry?

“I invited you to this hunting party for a reason, Cumberland. It was not to punch Viscount Tremain.”

“No, my lord. I’m sorry.”

“It was because I’m concerned for Rose’s future. Brandy?” Kirkwood gestured to a decanter, Philip nodded, and Kirkwood poured them each a glass. “You were together for two years. Everyone thought you’d propose to her. I know she wants to marry you. So I’d like to understand why you have ended your affair.”

He’d more than half expected something like this. “I believe that is between Her Grace and me, sir.”

Kirkwood tapped his fingers on the desk. “Let me be perfectly clear. Drake will be sent to school in the fall. I have told Rose she is to remarry by then. I’m telling you in case you wish to change your mind, because once she marries you will lose her forever—and forever is a long time. Believe me. I know.”

It was as if someone had shoved a sword through Philip’s heart. While she remained a widow, he could pretend their friendship would go on forever as it was. But once she married, she would be out of his life completely.

It was a truth he really did not want to face. “Thank you for your concern, Lord Kirkwood. However, I have made my decision and will keep my own counsel as to the reasons.” He started to rise.

Kirkwood nodded. “Forgive an old man’s interference, but I’d hate to think that events surrounding Robert’s death are stopping you from reaching for your own happiness.”

The sly old fox. Philip sank back into his chair. Had Rose told him? Surely not.

“It’s a long and lonely life without a wife and children,” Kirkwood said quietly. “I knew and liked your brother. Robert would not expect this of you.”

Everyone knew and liked Robert. “Probably not, but I expect certain things of myself. I have a lot to make right.”

To Philip’s surprise, Kirkwood nodded. “No doubt. Just be certain of the strength of your vow. Once Rose remarries, I do not want to hear of you rekindling your affair.”

Philip remained in his seat but it was an effort. “I may be many things, my lord, but I have never been an adulterer.”

Kirkwood raised his hands in surrender. “It is a warning. I’ll not have the reputation of Drake’s mother questioned.”

“I would never do anything to hurt Her Grace or the boy.”

“Then I think it best—if this is the way you truly intend to go on—that you stay away from both Her Grace and young Roxborough. Let her move on and find happiness.”

He could respect Kirkwood for wanting to protect Drake and Rose. But a sudden idea leaped into his brain. Wouldn’t Drake’s guardian—and old Roxborough’s good friend—know the terms of the late earl’s will? Of course he would. And this was his house filled with his servants all doing whatever they were told to protect his interests.

Suddenly, Philip had another suspect on his list. Was Kirkwood up to something sinister? Surely not. The man had no need of money. Kirkwood was one of the wealthiest men in England.

Philip realized he’d been silent too long. “I’m sorry, my lord. I’m a little confused. I have been trying to stay away from her. I’ve been encouraging her to move on. It was at your insistence I came to this event.”

“I know.” Kirkwood smiled as if he was indulging a child. “I’d promised Rose I would invite you. I think she hoped to make one last appeal.”

Philip doubted that because she’d left without conversing with him at all. “Then I believe we understand each other, and it would be best for me to take my leave. Thank you for your kind invitation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to clear the air between us.” He rose to his feet as he spoke.

Kirkwood inclined his head. “I hope you heed my advice. I will be a formidable enemy if you continue to cause Rose problems.”

How odd. Why would Kirkwood threaten him when Philip had already made his intentions clear? Something wasn’t right. But he didn’t rise to Kirkwood’s bait. He simply bowed and left the room.

Philip strode into his room and called for Wilson. “Ask the Libertine Scholars to attend me in my bedchamber. Then start packing. I have some letters to write. Then we are off to London.”

Quickly, he wrote a note to Christian, who was still in London. If Rose was there he wanted Christian to organize men to stand guard on her home.

When he was finished he gave it to Wilson. “Deliver it into the hands of one of my people yourself. Don’t send it via Kirkwood’s servants.”

“Yes, my lord,” Wilson said and stood aside to let Sebastian, Maitland, and Grayson enter.

“Rose left first thing this morning,” he told them. “I’m off to London now to find out why. Maitland, I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything to help.”

“Everyone in the financial markets knows you. Can you discreetly look into Lord Kirkwood’s finances?”

Maitland, who had been leaning against one of the four posts of the bed, straightened. “You think Kirkwood is involved? I’ve heard no rumors.”

“Murder is usually about revenge or money. I’m merely trying to understand who benefits from Drake’s death. Revenge seems unlikely. It has to be about the money.”

“So how does Kirkwood get his hands on Roxborough’s money?” Grayson asked. “If Drake dies it goes to Rose.”

“Who does it go to if Rose dies while still a widow?” Philip saw the reaction on their faces and added, “He wanted me here to see if I had changed my mind about marrying Rose.”

Sebastian bared his teeth. “Have you?”

“That’s not the point. Why is Kirkwood so interested? At first I’d put it down to the fact he genuinely cares for her. But then after he told me to leave her alone, he threatened me. Why? Something doesn’t add up.”

“He’s right,” Sebastian said. “If you don’t wish to marry her then you do need to leave her alone.”

Philip wanted to hit something. “I’m not about to leave her alone when someone’s trying to hurt Drake. So do you think I’m mad suggesting we look at Kirkwood? It makes more sense if it is him. He could have had servants hiding all over the house watching to see where Drake went. It just so happened he went to the attic alone. That’s what is troubling me. How would anyone know Drake might go to the attic?”

Maitland was nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds infinitely logical. Kirkwood could have had several men or women waiting to hurt Drake. He really is the only one. No one looks at servants.”

Grayson spoke up. “I think we have to investigate him. He would be the one to know the full details of Roxborough’s will and Rose’s marriage settlement.”

Philip rolled his shoulders. “Then I’m off to London. There is no point staying now that Rose is not here and it would look suspicious if I did. But we can’t all leave.” He thought a moment. “Except for Maitland. He needs to talk with those in the financial markets. Could you think of a reason to leave tomorrow? The rest of you will have to stay the week. I’ve written to Christian and asked him to put a guard on Rose and I’ll seek his counsel.”

Maitland looked as if he was deep in thought. Finally, he clicked his fingers. “When you get to town send me a letter. I’ll say it’s a summons from the Prince Regent. Kirkwood won’t think that’s odd. Prinny called me away from a dinner that Kirkwood was attending in July.”

“Brilliant,” Philip said, clapping him on the back. “Now get out of here so I can finish packing.”

“Not yet,” Grayson said. “We may learn Kirkwood is behind Drake’s accident but finding proof that would void his guardianship will be difficult, if not impossible.” He hesitated. “The only way might be to catch him in the act, and that means using Drake as bait. I can’t see Rose agreeing to that.”

God, no. But if she knew the stakes? “Leave Rose to me. She’ll want Kirkwood stopped. In the fall Drake starts at Eton, then no one can protect him. She needs Kirkwood’s guardianship broken before then.”

“Then we’ll break it,” Grayson said.

“Good luck,” Sebastian said just before he stepped through the door. “Once I’m back in London I’ll do anything to help. Drake and Henry are best friends and it will be easy to guard them.”

Philip understood his sentiment. “I understand that you’re worried about your son and of course Drake, but I won’t let anyone hurt either boy, I promise you that.”

Sebastian shook his head. “Sometimes life has a way of taking our good intentions and destroying them. Don’t promise an outcome you have no control over—and one that no one would hold you to anyway. We will guard them as best as we can but we know the risks that someone could still get to them. Sometimes fate has other plans for those we love no matter how hard we try to protect them.”

Once Sebastian had closed the door, Philip stood still in the middle of the room playing that fateful day on the battlefield over in his head. What could he have done differently? Did fate play a hand in Robert’s death?

He relived that day and saw Robert fighting a Frenchman, watched in slow motion as the enemy pulled him from his mount. Philip had ridden over the top of anyone in the way of reaching Robert. But that had been his mistake. Robert was doing fine on his own and was just about to remount but Philip, so intent on saving his brother, did not see the Frenchman on his left, but Robert did. Robert stepped in front of Philip’s horse and took the killing blow meant for him. He sat frozen watching as Robert slipped to the ground and Grayson’s pistol killed the enemy.

“My lord,” Wilson said from the door. “Your mount is ready. I’ll take everything in your carriage and see you in London.”

“Thank you.” And as he rode on to London he prayed his interference in Drake’s situation did not get anyone he loved killed.

Christian Trent, Lord Markham, called on Rose not long after she arrived in London. She told him about Drake’s accident and Philip’s suspicions, and was relieved—not to mention a little annoyed—to learn that Philip had also sent word, and asked him to post guards for her—and Drake’s—safety.

She promised not to leave the house without an escort, and to watch Drake closely. She trusted the staff in her home completely; they had been with her for over six years, and they loved Drake.

When Christian told her Philip was on his way from Wiltshire, she almost told him to tell Philip to stay away. But that would raise more questions that she couldn’t answer.

As he was leaving, however, Christian gave her a head-to-toe study and frowned. Being a gentleman, he made no comment about the tightness of her dress but there was a glimmer of suspicion in his eyes. Rose pretended not to be self-conscious about his scrutiny or his probable conclusions. Soon she’d begin to show and there’d be no hiding her condition then—unless her dressmaker could work a miracle.

Alone once more, Rose sank onto the chaise longue. She felt exhausted and sick and just wanted to break down and cry.

Everything was such a mess, and she was running out of time to convince Philip that he loved her and should marry her.

Her fear was that he would learn of her condition first and insist on their marriage out of a sense of duty. How long would it be before his resentment at being forced to do something he so vehemently opposed destroyed whatever feelings they shared now?

Then there was the note itself. She could not risk telling anyone about the note until the writer, their enemy, was caught. Therefore, she could not tell Philip about the child. That meant hiding her news for a few weeks.

Why was everything such a mess? Philip deserved to be happy. She deserved to be happy. They deserved to be happy together.

And, because she deserved to be happy, she cried.

She’d just recovered enough to curl up on the chaise longue with tea, scones, and a novel when the door to the library crashed open to reveal Philip.

He stood in the doorway, smelling of horse and covered in mud, which was dripping from his greatcoat onto her Persian rug.

“For goodness’ sake, Philip,” she scolded, only just rescuing her teacup before it slipped through her fingers.

“The Earl of Cumberland, Your Grace,” Booth said, with none of his usual sedateness.

“I can see that, Booth. Thank you.” She placed the teacup carefully on its saucer and then turned her attention back to Philip. “Please take his lordship upstairs and provide him with a change of clothing before he ruins my floor. When he’s presentable I shall meet him in the drawing room.”

Philip’s glower deepened but when he looked down and saw the mess he was making he had the grace to bow to her, turn around, and follow Booth from the room.

Rose wasn’t sure how to feel. Philip appeared to be angry. Was it because she’d left when Drake was in danger, or because she’d left without telling him?

Who knew? She didn’t, and at that moment, she didn’t care.

It was time to make him realize that he could not have his cake and eat it, too. He was not her master. Nor her lover anymore.

She took time over tidying herself before making her way to the drawing room where fresh tea and a decanter of brandy waited for her.

Philip—his temper apparently under control—returned a moment later, without his greatcoat, and with clean boots and buckskins. While it hadn’t snowed for a few days it was still cold outside. At Rose’s silent gesture he took the chair by the roaring fire.

The moment Booth and the other servants left the room, Philip spoke. “You left without telling me.”

“I did.” And if he was angry, well, so was she. “But before we discuss anything further, I would like to point out that you no longer have the run of my house. In the future, you will not barge in unannounced. What if I had been—entertaining?” She would let him wonder what sort of entertainment she might have had planned.

His cheeks flushed. “I hardly imagined you’d be stupid enough to entertain when there is an enemy out there, determined to hurt your son.” He took a deep breath. “But I shall of course be more—appropriate in the future.”

“Thank you. Now, I assume you have learned something pertinent since you rushed in here as if your breeches were on fire.”

The shock on Philip’s face made her want to laugh out loud. She’d never been so brusque with him.

“You left without telling me.”

“So you said.” And he’d sounded so aggrieved. “I don’t believe I need your permission to do anything. You are not my husband.”

Something that could have been pain flashed in those blue eyes. “That is not what I meant, and you know it. What protection did you have on the road?”

“I had enough.” He didn’t need to know her business. “Especially since I was as sure as I could be that I was leaving the enemy behind. Was I wrong? Besides, I thought if anyone came after me, we would know who the villain was.”

He took a swallow of brandy. “You could have confided in me. Or am I your enemy, too?”

“Oh, Philip.” Why did he not see? “I can’t continue to live my life relying on you. And how am I to find a husband if I’m running to you for everything? I was faithful to Roxborough. I’ll be faithful to my next husband. I don’t want anyone—especially not the man I marry—to see you as a rival or to have cause to doubt the truth of my marriage vows.”

A muscle tightened in his cheek. “So you still wish to marry?”

She tried to stifle her impatience but was not successful. “Yes. Is there any point in going over this ground once more? We have had this discussion. Have you changed your position? Do you also want children?”

A look of such longing crossed his face that she wanted to beat at his chest until he admitted his desire. But it was not the way. He had to learn how to forgive himself. To recognize that, while sometimes fate intervened, war was dangerous. Philip might have saved Robert that day only to have him killed in the next battle, or after a fall from his horse, or in duel, or from a lung ailment. There was only one certainty in life—that everybody died.

He didn’t answer her question. “You left without knowing the danger you are in. I was worried.”

Of course he was. In many ways he was such a good man. “You were worried for us—Drake and me. I know. But I can’t continue to rely on you. I’ve asked Christian to look into Tremain—”

Philip shook his head. “I don’t think it’s Tremain.”

“But it has to be.” She rubbed her nape. “There’s no other possibility.”

“Yes, there is.” Philip’s words were soft and almost gentle. “There’s Kirkwood.”

Her blood turned to ice in her veins. “No.” Nausea swam in her stomach.

But even as she denied it, Rose saw the logic. How would Tremain know she was with child? On the other hand, she was staying in Kirkwood’s home. That Kirkwood knew would make more sense. Nothing went on in his house without his knowledge. And servants talked. He’d have put two and two together and realized what her sickness indicated. He’d written the note?

“Now you understand why I’m so concerned,” Philip said. “The marquess is a powerful man.”

“But Kirkwood?” Philip had to be mistaken. “He’s Drake’s guardian. What is there to gain from his death?”

It worried Philip how pale she’d become at the thought of Kirkwood as her enemy. He moved to sit beside her and drew her trembling body into his arms, while he told her his theory.

She did not refute anything he said. “I’m not sure how he could possibly get me to marry him.”

Philip hugged her tighter. “Not marry Kirkwood, perhaps. But what about his son? He’s two years younger than you, and still a bachelor. What happens to Roxborough’s assets if both you and Drake die before you remarry?”

She turned, if possible, even paler. “Now I am really going to be sick. I’m not sure. I never took much notice. But I think it all reverts to Kirkwood—or his son, should Kirkwood die.” Her eyes widened. “He wants me dead, too. Why now?”

“I suspect it’s because you and I are no more. Your talk about remarrying means he has to act now.”

“Oh.” She breathed in, then out again, slowly and with care. “When will Maitland learn about his finances?”

“It will take a few days. Maitland won’t be back in London until tomorrow at the earliest.” Should he make his move now? One glance at her almost bloodless cheeks decided for him. “I think it best if I stay here until we find our evidence.”

She stiffened in his arms. “Is that wise? If word gets out that you are living here my reputation might not recover.”

“If that happens, I’ll do the honorable thing. Our getting married is the most sensible outcome anyway. He can’t win then.”

A tear slid down her cheek. Then another. “Oh, my darling, that will not do. I can’t marry a man I love when he does not love me. Besides, you don’t really want to marry me—and knowing that would eventually break my heart.”

Not love her? “I do love you.”

She shook her head. “You might think you do, and maybe—in your own way—you do. But you don’t love me enough. If you did, you would put me first—even before Robert’s ghost and your guilt. A woman in love never wants to be second best.”

When he did not deny her words the hope in her eyes faded. But he couldn’t give her false hope. She was right. Robert and his vow came before anything he desired. It had to.

She withdrew from his embrace and he felt that withdrawal to his soul. He hadn’t understood that losing her would feel like his heart was turning to ice.

“I assume you have a plan,” she said, smoothing down her skirts. “If Maitland finds Kirkwood’s finances are not what we have been led to believe.”

He nodded. “I have an idea. But I’d like to speak to the others before I outline what it is.”

“Yes, of course.”

She sounded abstracted and held herself stiffly, hands pressed to her stomach. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I swear I’ll protect you and Drake.”

She smiled up at him, her hands still on her stomach. “Thank you. You really are a fine man. I’m sorry. I just wish that when I see you my heart didn’t feel like it was about to break.”

She stood and pulled the bell. A moment later Booth entered. “Lord Cumberland will be staying with us for a few days. Please have the Garden Room readied for him. And Booth, please ensure that news is kept within these walls.”

“Of course, Your Grace. Should anyone ask, I shall say you have a second cousin staying.”

“Thank you.” She turned to Philip. “It will be hard to keep Drake quiet. He will be excited to see you. You probably heard him when you arrived. He’s in the ballroom playing the piano. Why don’t you go and see him?”

Philip stood, feeling bereft, as though they were strangers. Polite strangers. “Shall I see you at dinner?”

She nodded. “Yes. We’ll dine early, but I’m sure you won’t mind. You must be as tired from traveling as I.”

When she left the room Philip gulped down a tumbler full of brandy. Was his offer to stay his way of getting around his vow to Robert to never pass the title to his son? If he was forced to marry Rose, he could not be accused of benefiting from any heir they might then have. He was doing the honorable thing, not simply begetting an heir.

If he did have to marry her he’d simply have to ensure she did not get with child. That should not be too difficult; they had managed it for two years now.

His muscles loosened as he finally saw a way in which he could marry Rose and protect her while maintaining his vow not to have children. Now all he had to do was convince her that doing the honorable thing was the only way to keep her safe.

It wasn’t until he was watching Drake run across the ballroom toward him that he remembered her reason for any remarriage was to have children.

How could he deny her the child she wanted simply to keep his vow?

As Drake hugged him, Philip felt a longing so deep it shook his inner core until he swore his bones rattled.

He wanted a child, too. With Rose.